Good times don't last for too long. I say this because we are almost at the very end of our vacation in India and we will be back home before we even realize it. I haven't had a chance to finish my shopping and these last few days will be really busy with shopping and packing.
Today's kootu is my mom's recipe. I'm not sure where she learnt it, but she has been making it for years now. Green beans can be substituted with cabbage, spring onions or other vegetables of choice. This kootu is thick and is the perfect combination of vegetables and lentils. It is great to serve with either rice or roti.
Make the Masala: Heat 1tsp ghee in a pan, add all the ingredients for the masala, except for the grated coconut, fry on medium-low flame until fragrant and the seeds are lightly browned. Remove them into a small bowl, let cool. Grind along with the coconut into a smooth paste adding just enough water.
Cook the dal along with the chopped green beans until tender. 5~6 whistles in my pressure cooker does the trick.
Heat 1tbsp oil in a sauce pan, add mustard, cumin seeds and dry red chili; once the seeds start to splutter, add the curry leaves and onions. Cook until the onions are lightly browned around the edges.
Add the chopped tomatoes and tamarind. Cover and cook until the tomatoes turn mushy.
Add the cooked dal and the ground paste along with enough salt. Mix well and if the mixture looks too thick, add a little bit of water. Cook for 4~5 minutes for the flavors to mingle. Garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve with steamed rice and some fried papads or chips.
Notes
* Homemade or store-bought sambar masala is a quick and easy substitute to below masala.
Thank you - I made the green bean carrot coconut curry tonight (but had to sub chickpeas for the two dals since I was out of dal...but had everything else on hand). It was amazing and I will certainly be making it again (but will use the dal)! Can't believe how simple but so flavorful.
Hi Pavani,
I am a huge fan of your blog. I note for this recipe, fenugreek seeds and turmeric powder appear in the ingredient list but not in the method of the recipe. I am sure it's a slight oversight.
Archana Potdar
Moms are the best cooks Pavani! This is a yum kootu.
Nisha Sundar
Such a flavourful dish Panani. This is very much like arachuvitta sambhar...
Priya Suresh
Different kootu from wat we usually make at home.. Yea good times ends up so faster than we can imagine.
Ika
Is this a side dish? What would be a good vegan dish to serve it with to make a nicely rounded, authentic meal? Thank you! Looks great!
Pavani
Hi Ika, yes, this is a traditional south Indian side dish and is best served with some white or brown rice. Hope you make it and enjoy.
Ika
Thank you - I made the green bean carrot coconut curry tonight (but had to sub chickpeas for the two dals since I was out of dal...but had everything else on hand). It was amazing and I will certainly be making it again (but will use the dal)! Can't believe how simple but so flavorful.
Pavani
Hi Ika, So glad to hear that you liked the curry. Chickpeas sound like a great substitute to the dals in the dish.
Hema
Hi Pavani,
I am a huge fan of your blog. I note for this recipe, fenugreek seeds and turmeric powder appear in the ingredient list but not in the method of the recipe. I am sure it's a slight oversight.
Keep up the good work